*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, laud Hasetins Commodities Limited, project funders, for supporting the value addition campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 administration, and confirming that mineral processing is the strategy to empower more Nigerians to add value to the economy

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Government has pledged full support to a $400 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to build Africa鈥檚 largest rare earth and critical minerals plant in Nasarawa State.

绿帽献妻 reports the proposed plant has the potential to create over 10,000 jobs in the West African country.

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), has applauded Hasetins Commodities Limited, project funders, for supporting the value addition campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 administration and confirming that mineral processing is the strategy to empower more Nigerians to add value to the economy.

Hasetins Commodities Limited specialises in producing critical metals essential for high-tech applications and defence systems, including rare earth metals and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).

Alake stated that Hasetins hopes to add 12,000 metric tonnes to its current 6,000 metric tonnes installed capacity as preparations for the forthcoming groundbreaking of the additional facility gathers momentum.

The Minister equally noted that the company’s deal represents a significant milestone in efforts at boosting investor confidence in the mining sector of the Nigerian economy.

Alake also affirmed that the establishment of the rare earth and critical minerals plant would promote skills transfer and accelerate the contributions of the solid minerals sector to the economy.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by Prince Jidayi Ijudigal, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hasetins Commodities Limited, and his team to his office, Alake applauded the company for its strategic foresight and patriotic investment in a $400 million rare earth metals plant.

He particularly commended Hasetins for aligning its operations with the Federal Government鈥檚 drive for in-country processing and beneficiation of minerals.

Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development on Media, Sunday, June 22, 2025, stated Dr. Alake also said: 鈥淚鈥檓 glad our ongoing engagements have culminated in this groundbreaking initiative. “With your collaboration, we are now witnessing the establishment of the largest rare earth and critical metals plant in Africa, right here in Nigeria.”

The Minister stated: 鈥淥n behalf of the President, the Ministry, and the Nigerian people, I commend your commitment to this vital sector.

“Your patriotic zeal confirms that our policies are on the right track and producing tangible results.”

In his remarks during the visit to the Minister’s, Prince Jidayi expressed deep appreciation for Alake’s leadership and reforms.

The Managing Directors/ CEO of the company affirmed that such reforms have significantly improved investor confidence and streamlined access to the mining sector.

Jidayi noted: 鈥淲e have observed the introduction of mining marshals to combat illegal mining and reforms that have simplified the licensing process.

“These efforts have directly influenced our decision to invest heavily in this project.

“Beyond this flagship plant, we are also establishing regional separation plants and empowering local communities and miners.”

He further said that his company鈥檚 model ensures early-stage beneficiation by pre-separating metals locally, generating immediate income for artisanal miners.

The initiative also includes training, provision of protective equipment, and broader community engagement, the statement noted.

Peter Butt, Director of Corporate Affairs, at Hasetins as well commended Dr. Alake for bringing renewed purpose and structure to the mining sector.

Butt acknowledged how the Minister鈥檚 strong emphasis on local value addition campaign has reinforced the company鈥檚 decision to invest in sustainable, community-driven development.

Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government鈥檚 full institutional support for the project, underscoring its alignment with the Ministry鈥檚 vision of transforming Nigeria鈥檚 solid minerals into a cornerstone of industrial growth and economic diversification in the comity of industrialised economies.

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